ATM's In Malaysia
 

I am going to Sabah & KL next month & planned to use VISA ATM's to draw cash rather than take T/Cheques. I have read on another furum that ATM's in Malaysia need a 6 digit PIN in the UK we have 4 digit PIN codes. Anybody have any experience of this.

I've used a US issued card with a four digit PIN at an ATM in KL with no problem. I was downtown in the mall connected to the Ritz-Carlton; put my card in, my 4 digit pin, and out came the Malayasian Ringit's.

No problems, but just keep in mind this was only one machine in KL in a tourist area. Also - If you plan to bring any local currency in, I believe you must declare any Ringit's over 1250, IIRC, when entering or leaving the country. Use an ATM or convert money after Customs & Immigrations.

SDF_Traveler

Also be sure to double-check the network labels on the ATM *before* putting your ATM card in.

I was traveling with a friend last year who put her card in a non-network ATM and instead of the usual "no transaction" message, the machine took her card. Fortunately pleading with the bank manager (it was located in a bank lobby) got him to unlock it and give it back. We were warned that it happens frequently as several banks there do not have exchange agreements with US/western banks.

great tip, thanks techgirl, I've been fortunate as I've never bothered to read the labels.

I've used Singaporean and Finnish 4-digit ATM cards in Malaysia on numerous occasions without a problem.

6 digits is rarely accepted outside the home country: eg. my Singaporean cards have 6-digit PINs for local use, but 4 digits elsewhere.

I've never had any problems in Malaysia with ATMs, other than on occasion the local bank not being able to establish a connection with my home bank (Lloyds) to authorise the transfer of funds.

I found that by trying a couple of the other banks this problem was typically overcome (last time I remember this happening I was on Sarawak) but my advice would be to keep a couple of hundred ringgit in reserve, just incase.

Thanks for the reples & advice, my card is also a Lloyds TSB which works fine in HK. I can get a list of ATM's from the Visa website. I will be taking Ringits as well as a reserve of TC's just in case.

Looking forward to MH C class all the way from MAN to BKI, just hope there service level is as good as everything I have read.